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Tag: Weather Stories

  • When will it snow? It depends where you live

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    The days are getting shorter, and temperatures are falling. Now that we’re heading toward winter, many parts of the country are going to begin to see snow in the forecast for the first time in months.

    Even though winter doesn’t begin until December, the first snow can arrive much earlier depending on where you live.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Mountain West usually gets snow before anywhere else

    • Interior New England and the Great Lakes also see snowfall earlier than most areas

    • If it snows in the Southeast, it normally comes after New Year’s



    The primary factors that influence your local snowfall climatology are elevation and latitude. High elevations, like the Rockies, are much more favorable environments for wintry weather than anywhere else in the continental U.S. Some parts of the Rockies could receive snow in all 12 months of the year.

    Of course, that’s not the case for everyone else. Aside from elevation, how far north do you live? Do you live off the eastern shores of the Great Lakes and get lake-effect snow? Do you see a milder maritime air mass from the Pacific, or a continental polar air mass from Canada? 

    The map below gives a good idea of when you can expect the first measurable (>0.1″) snow where you live based on the 1981-2020 U.S. climate normals.

    The map shows the ‘median,’ or average date of the first snowfall. This is when you could expect the first snow to arrive during a ‘normal’ year. Of course, every year is different, but this should give you a good idea of when to get the winter clothes ready. For an even better idea, you can check your local forecast.

    Snow in the Northeast usually arrives before winter does on the calendar, especially in the mountains. Interior New England the Adirondacks, usually sees the first snowflakes falling around early November, with the rest of New England seeing snow before Thanksgiving.

    Coastal areas might lag a little behind the rest of the Northeast since the temperatures run a bit warmer, but it only takes one Nor’easter to deliver the first snow for everybody.

    Great Lakes

    Aside from the Rockies and some other high elevations, the Great Lakes are among the earlier areas to see snow, especially near Lake Superior. When you combine arctic air and moisture over the warm Great Lakes early in the season, the lake-effect machine can pump some big snow totals onto the southern and eastern shores of the Great Lakes.

    Parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Upstate New York and northwest Pennsylvania are the lucky recipients of lake-effect snow that can arrive as early as October or November.

    Midwest

    The Upper Midwest and Northern Plains see strong cold fronts move in from Canada during the late fall and winter with bitter cold Arctic air that can dump feet of snow, but that’s not usually until later in the season. The first snow? The Dakotas and Minnesota usually get some snowfall in early November.

    Further south, in states like Iowa, Illinois, Ohio and Missouri, it can be a bit later, around or after Thanksgiving as we get into December.

    Northwest/Rockies

    The Rocky Mountains, Cascades and other high elevations across the Mountain West are the snowiest places in the U.S., some of which could see snow year-round. This is why some of the best ski resorts in the world are in states like Colorado, Utah and Montana. Snow usually starts falling by October, with the foothills and lower elevations seeing snow by November.

    The coastal parts of Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest don’t see much snow until later, usually by December. The Pacific Ocean keeps areas west of the mountains much warmer, and much wetter with rain lasting into winter.

    Southwest

    If you’re expecting snow in the Southwest, elevation is an important factor. There are parts of Southern California, northern Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada where the high elevations and mountains see plenty of snowfall, some as early as late November or December. But a lot of the Southwest doesn’t see any, especially in California outside of the mountains.

    In Texas, the Panhandle could get some wild weather by late November or December, but further south into central Texas and the Gulf Coast, the snow chances are few and far between.

    Southeast

    Parts of the Southeast, especially in the Appalachians, could get snow in late November or December. States like Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia and North Carolina usually get a few good snows per winter, maybe even before changing your calendar.

    If you live anywhere else in the Southeast, especially Florida and along the Gulf Coast, the first time you see snow depends on when you buy a plane ticket! Big snows are much rarer once you get south of I-10. Other parts of the Deep South are lucky to see one or two snows per year, but it usually arrives in January or February.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • Hurricane response lessons learned after historic 2024 storms

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — From residents rebuilding their homes themselves to professionals hired to do the job, a lot of lessons learned from last year’s hurricanes are being put into play this year.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 46,000 Pinellas County homes damaged in 2024 storms, according to officials with the county



    • Last year’s storm season provided lessons for many aspects of recovery



    • Contractors more than doubled the amount of hurricane impact windows installed this year compared to last year



    • One homeowner marks progress with impact window installation 




    More than one year since Hurricanes Helene and Milton, homeowner Linda Zolper continues to rebuild. Thursday was a sign of progress with the delivery of more than 40 impact windows that crews started installing.

    “I’m excited to see them go in,” said Zolper, who added the decision to increase hurricane preparedness was an easy one.

    “I think the storm taught us a lot about how to prepare for the next hurricane and we just wanted to make sure that most of all that the family was safe inside, so the hurricane windows give us a lot more protection from debris flying and the possibility of wind damage,” she said.

    From residents to professionals hired to help rebuild, the historic 2024 hurricane season provided lessons for many aspects of recovery.

    Licensed contractor TomCo Solutions says it has installed more than twice as many impact windows this year compared to last.

    TomCo Vice President Matt Klaus says permits and timelines have been among the biggest challenges this season.

    “The magnitude, the number of homes that need to be rebuilt, so what we found there was a lot of shortage of labor. There was a lot of shortage of materials so on and so forth, so it definitely made us change the expectations that we had to set for our clients to take those things into consideration,” said Klaus. 

    From impact windows to flood barriers, Klaus said homeowners are more inclined to rebuild with additional protective measures, like flood barriers.

    For homes that were flooded, Klaus says they have modified communication with clients.

    “We’ve really had to change the fact that we incorporate technology to get pictures to them so they can see it, have access, setting up cameras onsite so they can see people that are on the job site,” said Klaus.

    This area will be a job site for about another month. Zolper hopes to be back in by December.

    “It’s just been a waiting game, really trying to get everything lined up and all the decisions made,” said Zolper.

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • Halloween Forecast: Is it a trick or a treat?

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    A chill will be in the air across much of the country for this year’s Halloween trick-or-treaters. The good news is we will see mostly dry conditions in time, but a few spots could still see rain lingering into the night.

    What You Need To Know

    • Below-average temperatures are expected from the Plains to the East Coast

    • Most of the country should be dry around sunset

    • Rain and wind will linger in the Northeast


    Northeast

    For much of Halloween, it will be a wet and windy day across the Northeast. Thankfully, much of the rain will clear in time for trick-or-treaters by sunset with only a few showers across Upstate New York and the northern parts of New England.

    For those heading out, be sure to bring an extra layer and hold on to those witches’ hats! A gusty northwest wind will bring temperatures down into the 40s and 50s along the coast with even colder temperatures farther inland (30s) after sunset. Winds could even reach 30-40 mph at times closer to the coast.

    Southeast

    The forecast is a lot less frightening for the Southeast, which will see clear skies and no chance of rain. However, it will be cool with temperatures slipping into the 50s in areas as far south as Central Florida.


    Central U.S.

    Most of the Central U.S. will also see dry and cool weather Halloween evening. The only exception will be parts of the Northern Plains, where some scattered showers may continue.

    Temperatures will range from the 30s and 40s in the Northern Plains to the 50s and 60s across Texas and the Mid-South.


    West

    Dry weather is likely for almost the entire West with high pressure in control. The only region that may be wet will be the coastal parts of Washington, where another atmospheric river is expected to move onshore.

    It will also be cool in the Pacific Northwest with temperatures falling into the 40s and 50s. Milder weather is expected in the Southwest.


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Ian Cassette

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  • WATCH: Hurricane Hunters fly into Category 5 Hurricane Melissa

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    Hurricane Melissa is a powerful Category 5 hurricane in the Caribbean Sea set to make landfall in Jamaica Tuesday morning.

    A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” flew through Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 27, 2025, collecting valuable data to help improve the forecast, and took video from inside the eye.

    Watch the Hurricane Hunters video of Hurricane Melissa’s “stadium effect” inside the eye as it was a Category 5 hurricane on Monday, Oct. 27.


    Before making landfall on Tuesday, Oct. 28, the turbulence was so strong inside Hurricane Melissa that the Hurricane Hunters had to abandon the mission and return to its operating location.

    You can check the latest updates on Hurricane Melissa here.

    More Storm Season Resources


    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Reid Lybarger

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  • LIVE CAMERAS: Watch Category 5 Hurricane Melissa move into Jamaica

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    It will make landfall Tuesday.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Tropical Storm Melissa forms in the Caribbean Sea

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    Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea. It’s the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Melissa has formed in the Caribbean Sea
    • It could become a hurricane
    • It will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to parts of the Caribbean

    Melissa has maximum winds of 50 mph and is moving westward at 14 mph. It’s slowing down over warm water and a favorable environment in the Caribbean Sea, and it should strengthen more in the next couple days as it stalls, or moves extremely slowly, in the central Caribbean Sea.

    Regardless of intensity, it’s going to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds and rough surf over portions of Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba and other parts of the western Caribbean this week and weekend.

    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict what areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside, but near the cone, should be on alert and make storm preparations. Read more about what the cone will display.

    A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

    • The southern coast and Tiburon peninsula of Haiti

    A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:


    Most models show Melissa meandering in the Caribbean Sea throughout the weekend, and eventually turning northeast toward the western Atlantic. It’s unlikely that it directly impacts the U.S. thanks to some strong cold fronts pushing into the Southeast.

    More Storm Season Resources

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Belle Haven Historic Cottage now open, more than a year after Helene

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    MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A piece of Anna Maria Island history is now open to visitors after being closed since Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Belle Haven Historic Cottage opened Oct. 1 after being closed since Hurricane Helene




    • The Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s volunteers worked to restore the artifacts and buildings



    • The society’s president said it is applying for grants that could provide funding for upgrades to the Belle Haven Cottage to keep it in good condition



    Earlier this month, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society reopened the “Belle Haven Historic Cottage.”

    Being able to step into a world from the past is what Carolyn Orshak protects.

    “We are so excited to have it open. It was a year in the making,” she said.

    Orshak is the president of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

    She said the “Belle Haven Historic Cottage” just opened this month, after volunteers worked hard to restore it.

    It was damaged by Helene last September.

    “She had to just buckle up and store all of our artifacts that we couldn’t get into the museum yet,” she said.

    The cottage sustained some water damage, but the museum was flooded with four feet of water from Helene. Artifacts dating back to the 1800s were damaged — some were destroyed.

    “Because it was a very slow, tedious process,” Orshak said. “Every artifact had to be inventoried and cleaned. It took months, it took months.”

    Longtime volunteers like Heidi Pratt played a key role in the restoration. She says the renovation also gave the society a chance to make the museum even better.

    “I’ve volunteered now for 10 years, and originally this place was jam-packed like an antique store, shelves and things. We’ve had it properly curated. Everything’s in its place, little areas that belong together. It’s perfect,” she said.

    Orshak said this 1920s house is a vital piece of history for the island community.

    “Children really need to learn our history. Because as we grow into adulthood, we need to understand the things about our world that make it that way, the things that we can do to make it better,” she said.

    History serves as a reminder of our past, and Orshak plans on protecting that for years to come.

    She says they are applying for grants that could provide funding for upgrades to the Belle Haven Cottage to keep it in good condition.

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    Julia Hazel

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  • Tropical Storm Lorenzo forms in the central Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Lorenzo formed this morning in the central tropical Atlantic becoming the 12th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • This is the 12th named storm of the season

    • Lorenzo will remain a tropical storm

    • No threats to the U.S.


    Lorenzo is a tropical storm with maxium sustained winds at 45 mph moving northwest at 17 mph. Tropical storm Lorenzo will continue to churn in the open waters of the Atlantic posing no threat to any land over the next 5 days.



    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict what areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside, but near the cone, should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • Subtropical Storm Karen won’t survive long in the northern Atlantic

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    Subtropical Storm Karen isn’t expected to last long in the northern Atlantic. Karen formed on Oct. 9, becoming the 11th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Karen is not expected to last long

    • It’s moving over cold water

    • Karen will have no impact on the U.S.


    Subtropical Storm Karen will remain in the northern Atlantic before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone on Saturday. It’s moving over cold waters. Karen will not pose a threat to any land.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict what areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside, but near the cone, should be on alert and make storm preparations.


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • King tides threatening sea turtle nests on N.C. coast

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    OAK ISLAND, N.C. — King tides are putting sea turtle nests in jeopardy along North Carolina’s coast.

    What You Need To Know

    • King tides are impacting the N.C. coast this week

    • Sea turtles create nests along a 9.5 mile stretch of Oak Island between May and late October

    • King tides have washed over at least one nest on Oak Island this week

    “Our sea turtles are on the endangered species list,” Suzan Bell, a volunteer for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program, said. “A nest can still be viable with tide wash overs. If the water can wash up and flow off, then that can actually be good for a nest sometimes. But, if the water comes up and sits on a nest, it can unfortunately either drown hatchlings that were already hatched or it can make the eggs nonviable.”

    Sea turtles create nests along a 9.5 mile stretch of Oak Island between May and late October. 

    “Oak Island is really one of the top three or four nesting beaches in North Carolina,” Bell said.

    Volunteers for the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program have been walking along the beach every morning and night this week to check if they have been impacted by the tides. They build walls of sand around the nests to protect them and guide the turtles to the ocean once they hatch.

    “We built sand barriers all around the nest to help, so if the tide comes up and the hatchlings emerge, hopefully they would still have a little bit of a runway to the water,” Bell said.

    Bell said the king tides have washed over at least one nest this week, but it is still too early to know if it has been destroyed. 

    Volunteers are hopeful their work will protect the hatchlings and lead more turtles to the ocean. 

    “I have been a part of this for 24 years, and I still get excited,” Bell said. “My adrenaline starts to flow. I get excited. I get to witness what I feel is a true miracle. To be a part of that and to help these little hatchlings make it to the water, It’s just a wonderful feeling.” 

    High tides from Hurricane Erin destroyed at least two nests on Oak Island in August.

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    Chloe Salsameda

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  • Nor’easter to bring rain, strong winds and coastal flooding to East Coast

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    A low pressure is expected to develop today and bring rain, wind and coastal flooding all along the east coast this weekend into early next week.

    What You Need To Know

    • A coastal low will develop off the coast of Florida on Friday

    • The low will strengthen as it moves northward along the Carolina coast, bringing heavy rain, wind and flooding potential

    • The system will produce wind gusts 30 to 50 mph along coastal regions of the East Coast

    • Rainfall totals will be highest along coastal North Carolina



    This storm system — a nor’easter, named for the wind direction it produces — usually brings heavy snow along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast during the winter months. However, any weather disturbance can take a similar track and produce wind and heavy precipitation, and that is expected to happen this weekend into early next week.

    Unfortunately, the Outer Banks of N.C. will see their third storm so far this season. As recently as two weeks ago, rough surf and big waves collapsed eight homes into the Atlantic Ocean in this area. 

    A beach house in Rodanthe in Dare County toppled into the surf Friday. (Spectrum News 1/Lauren Howard)

    Track of storm

    Here’s one computer model’s interpretation of the storm. 

    Futurecast - National this weekend

    Wind gusts

    A nor’easter will produce gusty winds, and depending on the location of the storm to the coast will determine how windy it gets inland. Gusts will generally be around 30 to 50 mph for coastal regions, with some localized higher gusts. Interior sections will see less gusty conditions, with winds around 20 to 30 mph.

    Rainfall totals

    Rainfall totals will be highest along coastal North Carolina, with 3 to 5 inches possible. 

    The low is expected to move east from the coast during the day on Tuesday, taking with it the heavy rain and gusty winds. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • One year since hurricanes, Largo residents concerns about damaged gas station

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    LARGO, Fla. — The owners of a Largo gas station damaged during Hurricanes Helene and Milton face a daily fine of $850 for violating several city codes.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some Largo residents are concerned hurricane-damaged property is a safety hazard one year later

    • Property owners face $850 daily fine for violating several city codes

    • Code violations include: property maintenance, unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, accessory structure in disrepair, overhang extension in disrepair


    People who live near the property on Indian Rocks Road say they are concerned the collapsed canopy and dilapidated state of the site are a safety hazard.

    “Just catastrophe, I’m so blown away that something hasn’t happened already,” said Carl Galler who lives nearby.

    While the homeowner says he recognizes the recovery process is ongoing across the community, he’s worried about potential dangers of the abandoned space.

    “It’s not just an eyesore, it was electrified, the lights came on overnight with that awning sitting sideways, it was left unfenced,” said Galler.

    The Largo officials say a fence was installed in April and electricity was turned off in March. They say Code Enforcement went before the Largo’s Special Magistrate in June and September, when they say the property owner was found in violation of several city codes, including: property maintenance, unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, accessory structure in disrepair and overhang extension in disrepair. A daily fine of $850 has been adding up since Aug. 7.

    The disrepair concerns Galler. He posted about it online and has received a variety of responses.

    “If you don’t like it just look away or it’s fenced,” said Galler.

    “I think of my 14-year-old self, 50 years ago and I would have been all over that. Would have been like the biggest, coolest, and the fence would have made it even more attractive,” said the concerned resident, who believes someone should be held accountable soon.

    “At the very least, just remediate it, basic remediation, get rid of that awning,” said Galler.

    Largo officials say the property owners did apply for a repair permit in July but did not supply all the required documents. A permit was eventually issued in September, but the city officials say there has been no movement on repairs. That permit expires in March.

    Officials say they are looking into additional repair and abatement options they can take, since a permit has been issued.

    Spectrum Bay News 9 attempted to reach the property owner, but got no response.

    A Largo official responded saying, “The city of Largo is taking all necessary steps to bring the property at 1737 Indian Rocks Road South into compliance with the City Codes as well as the Florida Building Code. We understand and share residents’ concerns and remain committed to ensuring public safety and neighborhood quality.” 

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    Melissa Eichman

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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • North Dakota tornado from June upgraded to EF5

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    The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, N.D., reevaluated a tornado from June 20, 2025. Completing additional surveys and working extensively with wind damage experts, the new estimated maximum wind speed is greater than 210 mph, making it an EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale.

    This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since the Moore, Okla. twister on May 20, 2013. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A reevaluation of the June 20, 2025 tornado gave the rating EF5

    • This is the strongest tornado to touch down in the United States since 2013

    • Estimated winds in the twister exceeded 210 mph


    June 20, 2025, was an active day of severe weather in the Plains. Meteorologist Carl Jones, with NWS Grand Forks, explained that 22 tornadoes touched down that day in North Dakota.

    He added, “This is also a preliminary number that may yet change as we continue to scour satellite imagery and sift through damage reports (still!) and assess whether it was tornadic or not – much further complicated by the fact that large area within the state experience significant damage from the derecho in the same areas that saw tornadoes.” 

    The tornado south of Enderlin, N.D., was a strong tornado. “The initial storm damage survey team found severe damage consistent with an EF3 or greater tornado with a preliminary estimated peak wind speed of 160 mph.”

    However, Jones says that wasn’t the end of it. “A Quick Response Team (QRT), a team of wind damage experts, was assembled and agreed that given the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale damage indicators available, there were points consistent with high-end EF3, if not greater.”

    Meaning additional investigation was needed, and the tornado could end up being rated higher. A train derailment south of Enderlin, ND during the time of one twister was a big prompt for the reevaluation. Collaborating with structural damage experts, namely the Northern Tornadoes Project at Western University’s Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, they were able to model object trajectories and the force/wind required to move such objects. 

    This was important and Jones says, “Allowed for the capability to assess the train derailment of 33 train cars, including several full grain cars that were tilted over and tanker cars that were lofted off the track, that yielded the EF5 intensity rating.”

    Additionally, other indicators for the reevaluation included high-end tree damage near the Maple River, east of Enderlin, as well as a foundation to a farmstead that was swept clean with debris scattered downwind.

    Check out the tornado track on the interactive map below, and click on the icons for damage reports and photos. While several tornadoes touched down in North Dakota that day, the EF5-rated twister was located south of I-94, just north of Lisbon, N.D. 

    The tornado was on the ground for just under 20 minutes and traveled just over 12 miles. It reached 1 mile in width. While no injuries were reported from this twister, three deaths occurred. 

    May 20, 2013 EF5 tornado Moore, Okla.

    What makes this newly revised classification of the twister so impressive is that this is the first EF5 tornado in more than twelve years. The last time a tornado this strong touched down in the United States was on May 20, 2013, in Moore, Okla.

    A tornado outbreak occurred in the afternoon and evening of May 20, 2013. Several supercell thunderstorms developed during the early afternoon in central Oklahoma. One of these storms rapidly intensified, producing a tornado that touched down on the west side of Newcastle, Okla. The tornado became violent and then tracked across the city of Moore and parts of south Oklahoma City. It was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes before finally dissipating.

    This photo was taken around 3:00 pm CDT on May 20, 2013 from Carrington Lane in the Carrington Place addition in northwest Norman, which is located between 36th Ave NW and 48th Ave NW, and south of Franklin Road. The view is looking northwest towards the corner of Franklin Road and 48th Ave NW. This photo was provided courtesy of Jenny Hamar via NWS.

    The tornado caused catastrophic damage in these areas and was given a maximum rating of EF5. The tornado claimed 24 lives, injured scores of people, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Tropical Storm Jerry forms in the Atlantic

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    Tropical Storm Jerry has formed in the central Atlantic. It’s the tenth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical Storm Jerry formed in the central Atlantic

    • It’s expected to strengthen into a hurricane

    • Jerry likely won’t impact the U.S.


    Tropical Storm Jerry has maximum winds of 45 mph and is quickly moving westward at 24 mph. It’s expected to slow down and eventually turn northward during the next couple of days.

    Jerry is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves through a favorable environment. Its core will pass near the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday into Friday, bringing the potential for gusty winds and heavy rainfall later this week.


    The cone of uncertainty displays where the center of a storm could be located. It does not predict which areas may feel the storm’s impact. Anyone outside but near the cone should be on alert and make storm preparations. Read more about what the cone will display.

    Most models show Jerry curving northward into the open Atlantic, potentially heading toward Bermuda. 


    Spaghetti models or plots show a series of individual computer forecast models together on one map. They are useful to give insight into whether multiple models are in agreement on the path of the storm but they do not address the storm’s forecast intensity, winds, flooding and storm surge potential or other data. Tap here for more details on how to best use these models.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Weather Staff

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises tonight

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late tonight.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • October’s Harvest Moon rises

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    Our next full moon, and the first one of the astronomical fall, will rise above the horizon late Monday night.

    What You Need To Know

    • October’s full moon is a supermoon and will appear about 30% brighter and 14% larger

    • It is called the Harvest Moon

    • Unobstructed views of the horizon allow for best sightings


    This full moon is called the Harvest Moon because it is the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox (Sept. 22). What makes this so unique is that between 1970 and 2050, there are only 18 years when the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The last time was in 2020, and the next time will be in 2028.

    Historically, it’s called the full Harvest Moon because it provides bright light for several evenings in a row to help farmers gather their crops.

    Supermoon

    October’s full moon is a supermoon, and according to NASA, it will appear approximately 30% brighter than normal and 14% larger than normal. This is because of the moon’s proximity to Earth. During a supermoon, the full moon is at “perigee,” which means it is at its closest location to Earth all month. 

    The moon will officially be full at 11:48 p.m. EDT Monday, so you’ll have to stay up late to catch it at its peak. Here’s the forecasted cloud cover. 

    Cloud cover across the United States expected at midnight on Oct. 7, 2025.

    Other names of the moon

    There is some discrepancy about the nomenclature of the October full moon. Naming conventions date back to the Native Americans of the northern and eastern United States, who kept track of the seasons. 

    Here are some other names given to the full October moon:

    • Hunter’s Moon: This is the traditional time to hunt
    • Falling Leaves Moon: Name given to express the changing and falling leaves, signaling the onset of fall
    • Dying Grass Moon: A Gaelic name that signifies the end of the growing season
    • Drying Rice Moon: A Dakota name given for when rice is harvested and dried
    • Freezing Moon: A time of the year when the first frost occurs

    The best viewing will be after sunset on Monday and early morning on Tuesday. To find the best time to view in your area, check out the moonrise calculator. Be sure to find a place with unobstructed horizon views for the best sights.

    The next full moon will be the Beaver Moon, which occurs on Nov. 5, 2025.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Drought may be causing fall allergies to start early this year

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    CLEVELAND — Shiv Love’s been playing trombone since the 5th grade, and he hopes to do it for a lifetime.

    “I would just like to play in a big orchestra and teach at a college,” said Love, a second-year master’s student.

    But staying on top of his game means being able to hear and breathe properly.

    What You Need To Know

    • Allergy sufferers may have early symptoms due to drought conditions

    • An allergist recommends getting tested for allergies to know how to treat symptoms

    • Fall can create ragweed, pollen and mold allergy symptoms

    When fall allergies hit, he said it sounds like he’s underwater — not a good thing for a musician.

    The traditional ragweed, pollen season in northeast Ohio region usually starts Aug. 15 and lasts until the frost begins.

    “Other thing that’s in the air would be mold, as the leaves fall down. That’s what happens as they degrade, mold spores are released,” said Dr. Nancy Wasserbauer Kingston, an allergist and immunologist with University Hospitals.

    The recent drought is causing leaves to fall early, which may be leading to some having symptoms earlier this year.

    Wasserbauer Kingston said the best way to be prepared for allergies is to find out what you’re allergic to.

    “Before you go out to the pharmacy and buy all the allergy remedies that are on the market, best to know what your allergens are so you can first and foremost avoid them. And then use targeted daily therapy and avoidance measures,” Wasserbauer Kingston said.

    She said testing for allergies is more comfortable than it used to be.

    “So, it feels like a little push on the skin and creates just a tiny, tiny little prick on the skin. If you’re allergic, it’s going to feel like a mosquito bite. It doesn’t include a whole lot of blood or anything like that. People get worried about that,” she said.

    Wasserbauer Kingston recommends keeping the windows closed, washing your face and hands after being outside and using an app to monitor pollen.

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    Kimberly Perez

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  • Tropical development happens closer to the U.S. in October

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    The peak of the 2025 hurricane season was nearly three weeks ago, and the tropics have responded, with three hurricanes — Gabrielle, Humberto and Imelda in just that time period. Two of those hurricanes even achieved Category 5 status, with winds of 155+ mph.

    With two more months left in the typical hurricane season, how does the month of October play out with storms? 

    What You Need To Know

    • Tropical activity slightly decreases in October

    • The development regions shift to the Caribbean and eastern U.S. coastlines

    • Track patterns change, and most systems track toward the northeast


    While activity decreases slightly in October, the month sees most of the storm formations closer to the U.S., particularly in the Gulf, Southeast Coast and Caribbean. These are locations where water temperatures remain well above the 79° threshold. 

    Most systems track toward the northeast, with it likely that many stay off the eastern coastlines. However, there have been landfalling systems in past October months.

    Milton

    Milton was one for the record books, even before ever making landfall. While it formed in the Bay of Campeche on Oct. 5, it quickly intensified into a hurricane. It underwent rapid intensification in the Gulf, going from a Category 3 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum winds of 180 mph in less than 24 hours. It ties Hurricane Rita for the most intense Atlantic hurricane ever.

    It made landfall near Siesta Key, Fla., as a Category 3 hurricane, with winds of 120 mph. Prior to landfall on Oct. 7, the outer rainbands spawned tornadoes in central and southern Florida. 126 tornado warnings were issued in Florida, the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day, and the most ever in Florida or from a tropical system. 

    Parts of Hillsborough County saw flooding from hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton last year. Hillsborough County is hosting several meetings to gather information from residents and businesses about the flood impact of those storms. (Spectrum News)

    As Milton moved inland, heavy rain created a flash flood emergency north of the center of circulation, including the cities of St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. St. Petersburg – Albert Whitted Airport reported 18.54 inches of rain from Milton. 

    Michael

    Michael first became a tropical storm on Oct. 7 and quickly intensified into a hurricane a day later. It then became a major hurricane on Oct. 9 as it moved through the warm waters of the Gulf.

    Michael made landfall near Panama City, Fla. on Oct. 10 as a Category 5 hurricane, making it the third-strongest landfalling hurricane in the U.S. on record and the strongest storm to strike the Florida Panhandle. 

    (Spectrum News)

    It destroyed many houses in the Florida Panhandle, and storm surge flooded the coast. Farms suffered, leading to a loss in cattle and crops, and Michael caused $4.7 billion in damage to the Tyndall Air Force Base. As Michael weakened, it moved further into the southeast, bringing wind damage and flooding to Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina.

    It total, we saw $25 billion in damage from Michael, and around 60 deaths.

    Matthew

    Hurricane Matthew in 2016 was one of the deadliest storms ever to strike the Atlantic, causing a humanitarian crisis in Haiti. It intensified into a hurricane on Sept. 29 before exploding into a Category 5 storm 24 hours later., the first Category 5 hurricane since Hurricane Felix in 2007.

    Matthew made landfall in Haiti as a strong Category 4 storm on Oct. 4 and then in Cuba on Oct. 5.

    Propane tanks sit in floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

    Forecasts took it close to the Florida and Georgia coastlines as a Category 3, but the center of the storm did not make landfall. The western side and the inner eyewall remained just offshore. Matthew weakened to a Category 2 hurricane late on Oct. 7 and then to a Category 1 hurricane by Oct. 8.

    It made landfall near McClellanville, S.C., making it the first hurricane to make landfall north of Florida in October since Hurricane Hazel in 1954.

    Sandy

    Developing in the Caribbean Sea on Oct. 22, Sandy made two landfalls before heading toward the U.S., one in Jamaica and one in eastern Cuba.

    It continued through the Atlantic, parallel to the East Coast, and made a northwest turn, slamming into the Northeast. Even though winds were only at 80 mph at landfall in New Jersey, Sandy was a large storm that brought intense flooding.

    Many cities in New Jersey flooded, and authorities had to evacuate towns. Sandy also flooded seven subway tunnels in NYC, the biggest disaster to happen to the subway system since it was built in the early 1900s.

    In West Virginia, rain turned to 3 feet of snow for some areas, leading to downed trees and hundreds of thousands of power outages.

    FILE – In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 file photo, an ambulance is stuck in over a foot of snow off of Highway 33 West near Belington, W.Va. Superstorm Sandy was the first time the National Hurricane Center ever listed snow or blizzard in its warnings. Three feet of snow fell in West Virginia. (AP Photo/Robert Ray)

    Overall, Sandy became one of the deadliest cyclones to hit the Northeast, killing 160 people, and the fifth costliest storm in recorded history with $65 billion in damage.

    Wilma

    2005 had numerous notable storms, and one of those storms was Hurricane Wilma. Wilma developed on Oct. 17 in the Caribbean Sea, and intensified quickly into a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 4 before its first landfall on Cozumel, Mexico.

    Wilma had the lowest pressure ever recorded in a hurricane in the Western Hemisphere, going from 982 millibars to 882 millibars in just 24 hours. It then moved northeast, making its second landfall as a Category 3 hurricane at Cape Romano in southwestern Florida.

    Over 3 million people lost power, including 98% of Miami’s metro area, and Wilma destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of homes and cars in southern Florida. Water from the storm surge submerged 60% of Key West, leaving many homes uninhabitable.

    Homeowners cover their roofs in blue tarps to cover damage cause by Hurricane Wilma in Broward County, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2005. Frustration mounted on the third day of recovery from Hurricane Wilma, with the scramble for gas, ice, food and water causing long lines and traffic snarls, which prompted renewed criticism of storm planning and response. Miami-Dade County’s mayor called the relief effort “flawed.” (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

    Wilma caused $19 billion in damage and killed 30 people.  

    After Wilma, a major hurricane didn’t strike the U.S. until Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and a hurricane did not strike Florida until Hurricane Hermine in 2016.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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